Remotely operated heating system

ABSTRACT

A heating system includes a heat source. A controller is connected to the heat source and controls operation of the heat source. A first sensor is configured to sense temperature and report a signal to the controller. An input/output (I/O) device is configured to send a set point to the controller. The controller selectively operates the heat source based on a comparison of the signal and the set point. The heat source communicates wirelessly with at least one of the controller, the first sensor, and the I/O device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/691,147, filed on Jun. 28, 2018 and entitled “REMOTELY OPERATED HEATING SYSTEM”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to heating systems, and more particularly, to heating systems which can be operated remotely.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Residential and commercial heating systems generally rely on a furnace (or boiler) to provide heat to a number of heaters (or heating elements) at different locations in a building. A set temperature point is input at a thermostat and the furnace. The furnace is instructed to turn on or off when the thermostat detects that the temperature has moved outside of a set range. In some cases, multiple thermostats can be used and/or multiple temperature sensors can be used in conjunction with one or more thermostats. However, it can be difficult and inconvenient for a user to change the set temperature range on one or more thermostats.

Additionally, conventional thermostats that are wired directly from a set location to a furnace (or controller for a furnace) can be expensive and problematic to install as they require a connection to the furnace and to a power source. This also results in thermostats which are very difficult to move to other locations within the building. Further, while some thermostats have been designed to plug into wall outlets as a power source, this results in loss of that outlet for use by other devices.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In light of the above, the present disclosure provides a heating system which can be operated remotely by a user via an input/output (I/O) device. Further, the present disclosure provides a heating system which can be easily installed without rendering an outlet or other fixture unusable.

In at least one aspect, the subject technology relates to a heating system having a heat source and a controller connected to and controlling operation of the heat source. A first sensor is configured to sense temperature and report a signal to the controller. An I/O device is configured to send a set point to the controller. The controller selectively operates the heat source based on a comparison of the signal and the set point; and the heat source communicates wirelessly with at least one of the controller, the first sensor and the I/O device. In some embodiments, the first sensor reports to the controller wirelessly. In some cases, the first sensor reports to the controller via an RF transmission device. In some embodiments, the controller and the I/O device can exchange information via a home wireless network. In some embodiments, the controller and the I/O device exchange information via a cloud storage location. The first sensor can be electrically connected to an electrical line associated with an outlet to receive power.

In at least some embodiments, the heating system includes a faceplate. The faceplate has at least one clip configured to couple the faceplate to an outlet, the outlet including the electrical line. The first sensor can be coupled to the outlet by the at least one clip. The at least one biasing spring forcing the at least one clip towards the outlet and maintaining the electrical connection between the electrical line and the first sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor is coupled to an external female outlet which is configured to connect an external device to the electrical line. In some embodiments, the first sensor communicates with the controller via the electrical line using power-line communication. The outlet can be an electrical switch outlet.

In at least one aspect, the subject technology relates to a heating system having a heat source connected to a plurality of heating elements in a plurality of locations. A controller is connected to a data storage area and controls operation of the heat source. A plurality of sensors are each positioned proximate to one of the locations and powered by an electrical line coupled to an outlet. The sensors each include an external female outlet coupled to the electrical line such that an external device can plug into the external female outlet to receive power from the electrical line. An I/O device is configured to receive at least one set point from a user and send the at least one set point to the data storage area. The sensors are each configured to sense temperature and report a signal to the controller based on a temperature in the location proximate to the sensor. The controller selectively operates the heat source to provide heat to at least one of the heating elements based on a comparison of the at least one set point and the signals from the sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors are each configured to report the signal to the controller by reporting the signal to the data storage area where data related to the signal is retrieved by the controller.

In at least one aspect, the subject technology relates to a heating system having a heat source and a controller connected to and controlling operation of the heat source. A first sensor is configured to sense temperature and report a signal to the controller. A first input/output (I/O) device is proximate and directly connected to the first sensor, the first I/O device configured to send a set point to the controller. A second I/O device is wirelessly connected to the controller and configured to send a set point to the controller. The controller selectively operates the heat source based on a comparison of the signal to the set points. In at least some embodiments, the first I/O device includes a touch screen display operable to change the first set point. The touch screen display can display a temperature based on data from the first sensor. The touch screen display can also display the first set point.

In at least some embodiments, the first sensor and the first I/O device are electrically connected to an electrical line associated with an outlet to receive power. The first sensor can report the signal to the controller via the electrical line using power-line communication. Further, the first I/O device can send the first set point to the controller via the electrical line using power-line communication. In at least some embodiments, the the touch screen display displays a sliding temperature layout operable to raise or lower the first set point. The touch screen display further can include a second sliding layout operable to control a separate electrical device attached to the corresponding outlet. In at least some embodiments, the controller can selectively operate the heat source based on a comparison of the signal to a most recently updated set point of the set points.

It should be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method for applications now known and later developed or a computer readable medium. These and other unique features of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the attached drawings, wherein elements having the same reference character designations represent like elements throughout, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of a system in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 3 is schematic diagram of a system in accordance with the subject technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject technology overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with heating systems. In brief summary, the subject technology provides a system and method for operating a heat system from a remote location. Further, various components are designed for easy installation without intruding on other devices within a building. Other advantages and features of the systems and methods disclosed herein will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals are used herein to denote like parts. Further, words denoting orientation such as “up”, “down”, “right”, and “left” are merely used to help describe the location of components with respect to one another. For example, an “upper” surface of a part is merely meant to describe a surface that is separate from the “lower” surface of that same part. No words denoting orientation are used to describe an absolute orientation (i.e. where an “upper” part must always be on top).

Referring now to FIG. 1, a simplified schematic diagram of a heating system in accordance with the subject technology is shown generally at 100. In general, a heat source 102 (e.g., a boiler) generates and provides heat (e.g., hot water) to a heating element 104 (e.g., radiator) which then gives off heat at a desired location (e.g., a building). A controller 106 selectively operates the heat source 102 to heat a building (not shown) or the like as desired. For another example, the heat source 102 can be a furnace or boiler which provides hot air to ductwork which acts as the heating element 104.

The system 100 also includes a sensor 108 coupled to the faceplate 110 of an outlet (not shown) which can be a typical power plug outlet or a switch outlet (e.g. light switch type). The sensor 108 is used to measure temperature in the surrounding area and can be a wafer mounted thermocouple or a separate thermistor, for example. The sensor 108 can be mounted proximate to the outer edge of the faceplate 110 to ensure temperature readings taken by the sensor 108 are as accurate as possible.

The faceplate 110 is attached to the outlet by one or more clips 112 a, 112 b. In particular, the clips 112 a, 112 b are designed to interface with screw terminals of the outlet. The clips 112 a, 112 b include biasing springs which apply a force to the side of the outlet. An additional support clip 114 can be positioned on the opposite side of the faceplate 110 to oppose the biasing force from the other clips 112 a, 112 b and hold the components together. In this way, the clips 112 a, 112 b, 114 hold the faceplate 110 at a central location within the outlet. The clips 112 a, 112 b also provide an electrical connection between the sensor 108 and an electrical line within the outlet. The biasing springs of the clips 112 a, 112 b help facilitate the electrical connection by ensuring that the clips 112 a, 112 b are pressed towards the outlet where the connection to the electrical line is located. The connection of the clips 112 a, 112 b to the screw terminals allows the components attached to the faceplate 110 to derive power from the electrical line of the outlet without consuming the outlet. It can be advantageous to use the faceplate 110 with a switch outlet instead of a plug outlet, as the former are generally positioned higher on the wall and allow for a more accurate temperature reading by the sensor 108. However, it should be understood that the faceplate 110 is suited for use with a plug outlet, and particularly could be used in a plug outlet that is positioned in an ideal location, or in a situation where no convenient switch plate is available. In fact, in other embodiments, the faceplate 110 can be used with a variety of existing components which are normally fixed to a wall and attached to a power source. For example, in some cases, the faceplate 110 could be attached to an existing fan control switch mounted within the wall. As such, the faceplate 110 is capable of attachment to a variety of components to advantageously connect to a power source without requiring installation of a new device (aside from the faceplate 110 itself) or occupying and preventing use of an existing device, such as an outlet.

The electrical line can be used to transmit power to the sensor 108, and in some cases, can also be used as a means of communication between the sensor 108 and the controller 106. This can be accomplished through known power-line communication (PLC) techniques and eliminates the need to run a separate electrical line, saving on installation costs. PLC techniques essentially allow the power line to function secondarily as an Ethernet cable, in this case, allowing the sensor 108 and controller 106 to communicate. In other cases the sensor 108 can be connected to a wireless transmission device 116, such as an RF, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth transmitter, or the like.

The wireless transmission device 116 allows for wireless transmission between the sensor 108 and controller 106. In some embodiments, the sensor 108 can also connect directly to an electrical line of an outlet, while also connecting to an external female outlet which allows an external device to be plugged in to also connect to the electrical line. This arrangement results in the sensor 108 being powered through the electrical line of the outlet so that the sensor 108 does not monopolize the outlet. In some cases, the connection between the sensor 108 and the electrical line can also itself be made by plugging the sensor 108 into the outlet. This allows for the sensor 108 to be easily relocated to a different location within the building. The mechanical arrangement of the faceplate 110 and associated components, such as the clips 112 a, 112 b, 116 can be in accordance with mechanical arrangements of similar components as are known in the art (e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 9,464,795 issued Oct. 11, 2016 entitled Receptacle Cover, the contents of which is fully incorporated herein by reference).

Selective operation of the heat source 102 by the controller 106 is based on information received from the sensor 108, as well as a user input set point. More particularly, the sensor 108 is placed at a location within the building to sense a temperature at that location and report a signal indicative of the temperature. The set point can be input by a user via an input/output (I/O) device 118 such as a smartphone.

In some cases, all, or some of the components within the system 100 can communicate wirelessly via a network or shared data storage area. For example, in some cases, the I/O device 118, sensor 108, and controller 106 are all synched to a home wireless network through which communication occurs. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the I/O device 118, sensor 108, and controller 106 all have access to shared cloud storage 120 which acts as an accessible data storage area. Therefore the I/O device 118 can provide the user input set point to the cloud storage 120 where the controller 106 can retrieve the set point. The sensor 108 can continuously or periodically provide a reporting signal based on the current temperature at a corresponding location to the controller 106. The reported signal can be provided directly to the controller 106, such as by a wireless connection, or updated within a location of the cloud storage 120 where the controller 106 can retrieve the reported signal. In either case, the sensor 108 does not require a hardwire connection to the controller 106. This can result in large monetary savings when the sensor 108 is installed, while also allowing the sensor 108 to be quickly and easily relocated as desired without incurring significant costs.

The controller 106 generally has a processor, memory and other components and logic to send, receive, and process data. The controller 106 can also include a touch screen to display information and allow a user to make modifications locally. After receiving the reported signal, the controller 106 can then compare the set point to the signal reported by the sensor 108 to selectively operate the heat source 102 as necessary. To that end, the user can set the controller 106 to operate in a selective range of temperatures about the set point as desired by turning heat on at a lower end of the temperature range and turning off at the higher end of the temperature range. For example, if a set point of 65 degrees Fahrenheit is indicated, the controller 106 might instruct the heat source 102 to turn on when the sensor drops below 63 degrees Fahrenheit and turn off when the temperature rises above 67 degrees Fahrenheit. In some cases, multiple sensors 108 can be provided at various locations within a building, each associated with a different heating element 104. To that end, controller 106 can be configured to resolve any potential conflicts between sensors 108.

The controller 106 can also be configured to provide data back to the I/O device 118 for output on a display screen, or the like. If the I/O device 118 is a smartphone the user can provide input into the system 100 via an application on the smartphone. The application can also provide output, allowing the user to easily glean relevant data describing the operation of the system 100 such as temperature data, set point info, or even relevant information on heat usage/cost. Additionally, being able to review heating data and control the heat source 102 from a mobile I/O device 118 provides the user with a large degree of control over the heating system 100, without requiring they be physically present. This also allows for a versatile system 100 which can be controlled without the need for installing numerous additional wires.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of another system in accordance with the subject technology is shown generally at 200. The system 200 functions similarly to the system 100 and can include any of the features mentioned with respect to the system 100. In particular, system 200 shows an example of a system with components in multiple different locations within a building.

As shown, three sensors 208 a-208 c (generally 208) are located proximate to respective heat elements 204 a-204 c (generally 204) at a first, second, and third location 230 a-230 c (generally 230). In this case, the word “proximate” is used to mean that each sensor 208 is affected most by heat from the heat given off by the corresponding heat element 204. Therefore, at the first location 230 a, when the heat source 202 is operating and providing heat to the heat element 204 a at the first location 230 a, the sensor 208 a will sense the increased temperature at the first location 230 a. Each sensor 208 is in communication with the controller 206 to report a signal based on the temperature in the corresponding location 230 through a wireless connection (or alternatively, through shared access to a database within the server 220). Meanwhile, the set point is provided by a user via input entered through their I/O device 218.

The input set point is provided to the server 220, which can include a data storage area accessible via a network, the Internet, or the like. The controller 206 likewise has access to the server 220 and/or data storage area within the server 220 to retrieve the set point. Notably, in some cases, multiple set points can be provided by the user such that different set points are associated with different locations 230. The heat source 202 activates and provides heat when the temperature at any location 230 drops below the set point for that location 230 (or drops below the bottom limit of a range around that set point).

In this way, the system 200 allows for multiple sensors 208 to be utilized in a single heating system 200 with a shared heat source 202 to operate the heating elements 204 based on conditions in various locations 230. These conditions, as well as operation of the heat source 202, can be reported back to the I/O device 218 where they can be displayed for the user. Since communication between the sensors 208, I/O device 218, and controller 206 is all wireless, a user can easily control and monitor the system 200 remotely. Likewise, without requiring extensive wiring to run, the sensors 208 can be easily installed and/or moved to a new location as desired, for example, as described with respect to the system 100. The heat source 202 may have subunits that engage (e.g., a blower for each location), valves that selectively provide heat to the locations and the like. Of course, the subject technology is also equally applicable to cooling applications.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a simplified schematic diagram of another heating system in accordance with the subject technology is shown generally at 300. The system 300 functions similarly to the systems 100, 200 and can include any of the features mentioned with respect to those systems 100, 200. In particular, FIG. 3 shows an example of a system 300 where the components interact wirelessly and the faceplate of the outlet is replaced by a housing 310 which includes a touch screen display 334. Unlike the faceplate 110, which connects components to an outlet, the housing 310 replaces the outlet entirely. Notably, while the exemplary housing 310 shown in FIG. 3 is roughly the size and shape of a typical switch plate, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the housing 310 can be formed from two components including a much larger display and a structural support component configured to secure the display to the location of the outlet and connect the display to the power source at the outlet.

In the system 300, the housing 310 includes electrical components necessary to operate a corresponding sensor 308, wireless transmission device 316, and touch screen display 334, including providing a power source by connecting to an electrical power line. The touch screen display 334 is proximate and directly connected to the sensor 308. The touch screen display 334 has its own local processor which allows the sensor 308 to be controlled locally to modify the temperature set point given to the controller 306. As shown, the touch screen 334 includes an interface with a sliding temperature layout, similar to a touch screen light switch dimmer, which a user can slide a finger up or down on to raise or lower a set point temperature as desired. This provides users with an alternative or additional way to enter a temperature set point into the system 300, aside from their smartphone. Notably, in some cases, the touch screen display 334 can include a second, separate adjustment and/or sliding layout allowing the display 334 to additionally (or only) be used to control another electrical device attached to the corresponding outlet. For example, the touch screen 334 can work as a dimmer switch for a corresponding light fixture, increasing or decreasing the light intensity. The I/O device 318 functions substantially the same as the I/O device 118, and can be a smartphone or the like. The I/O device 318 can be used to control the temperature set point when the set point isn't being controlled locally using the touch screen display 334. The controller 306 can be configured to analyze the information from both the I/O device 318 and the touch screen display 334 to determine which device 318, 334 most recently sent a temperature set point, and selectively operate the heat source 302 based on a comparison of the signal from the sensor 308 to the most recently sent temperature set point.

The controller 306 is connected to a power source and can likewise have a display screen 336 which can also be a touch screen. The display screen 336 can display current temperature data from the sensors 308 and/or temperature set point data. When the display screen 336 functions as a touch screen, the display screen 336 can allow the manipulation of data on the system 300 (e.g. the user can increase temperature set points at one or more sensor 308 locations).

The touch screen 334 can include virtual buttons 332 a, 332 b which are configured to change the display interface to other programmed display interfaces 338 a, 338 b, respectively. The first display interface 338 a option is a quick temperature change view. The user can slide a finger up the arrangement of touch bars 339 on the display interface 338 a to increase a temperature set point, or down the touch bars 339 to decrease the temperature set point. In some cases, the upper half of the touch bars 339 can be red (indicating increased heat) while the lower half can be blue (indicating decreased heat). In another example, the display interface 338 b has a similar sliding temperature scale 342 which the user can move their finger up or down to change the temperature set point. The display interface 338 b also has an easily visible temperature indicator 340 which can display the temperature set point and/or current temperature at the sensor 308. Other display interfaces can also be utilized in accordance with the preferences of the user. Further, rather than, or in addition to changing the temperature set points, the touch screen 334 can be used to interact with a corresponding electrical device. For example, as described above, the touch screen 334 can be used as a dimmer switch for a corresponding light fixture so that the outlet is not given up for the exclusive purpose of changing the heat in accordance with system 300.

As with the system 100, the components of the system 300 can communicate wirelessly with each other, or can interact via a cloud storage location 320. This eliminates the need for snaking wires and additional holes to be drilled in the walls of a building, allowing for easy and cost effective installation. Since the touch controller 306, sensor 308, transmission device 316, and touch screen display 334 are all connected to a power line, the system 300 is also completely operable without batteries. Additionally, by using touch screens, the system 300 can be operated without the need to access or exchange information through a remote data storage location (e.g. storage location 320) if the user so desires. In an alternative embodiment, the touch controller 306, sensor 308, transmission device 316, and touch screen display 334 are all battery operated so that easy retrofit to existing buildings can occur.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art that the functions of several elements may, in alternative embodiments, be carried out by fewer elements, or a single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiment. Also, elements that serve a distinct function (e.g., controllers, transmitters, and the like) shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements in a particular implementation. It should be understood, however, that the exemplary embodiment described in this specification has been presented by way of illustration rather than limitation, and various modifications, combinations and substitutions may be effected by those skilled in the art without departure either in spirit or scope from this disclosure in its broader aspects and as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. No elements of the presently disclosed technology are meant to be disclaimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heating system comprising: a heat source; a controller connected to and controlling operation of the heat source; a first sensor configured to sense temperature and report a signal to the controller; and an input/output (I/O) device configured to send a set point to the controller, wherein: the controller selectively operates the heat source based on a comparison of the signal and the set point; and the heat source communicates wirelessly with at least one of the controller, the first sensor and the I/O device.
 2. The heating system of claim 1 wherein the first sensor reports to the controller wirelessly.
 3. The heating system of claim 1 wherein the first sensor reports to the controller via an RF transmission device.
 4. The heating system of claim 1 wherein the controller and the I/O device exchange information via a home wireless network.
 5. The heating system of claim 1 wherein the controller and the I/O device exchange information via a cloud storage location.
 6. The heating system of claim 1 wherein the first sensor is electrically connected to an electrical line associated with an outlet to receive power.
 7. The heating system of claim 6, further comprising a faceplate, the faceplate including at least one clip configured to couple the faceplate to an outlet, the outlet including the electrical line.
 8. The heating system of claim 7 wherein the first sensor is coupled to the outlet by the at least one clip.
 9. The heating system of claim 8 further comprising at least one biasing spring forcing the at least one clip towards the outlet and maintaining the electrical connection between the electrical line and the first sensor.
 10. The heating system of claim 6 wherein the first sensor is coupled to an external female outlet which is configured to connect an external device to the electrical line.
 11. The heating system of claim 6 wherein the first sensor communicates with the controller via the electrical line using power-line communication.
 12. The heating system of claim 7 wherein the outlet is an electrical switch outlet.
 13. A heating system comprising: a heat source connected to a plurality of heating elements in a plurality of locations; a controller connected to a data storage area and controlling operation of the heat source; a plurality of sensors each positioned proximate to one of the locations and powered by an electrical line coupled to an outlet, the sensors each including an external female outlet coupled to the electrical line such that an external device can plug into the external female outlet to receive power from the electrical line; and an input/output (I/O) device configured to receive at least one set point from a user and send the at least one set point to the data storage area, wherein: the sensors are each configured to sense temperature and report a signal to the controller based on a temperature in the location proximate to the sensor; and the controller selectively operates the heat source to provide heat to at least one of the heating elements based on a comparison of the at least one set point and the signals from the sensors.
 14. The heating system of claim 13 wherein the sensors are each configured to report the signal to the controller by reporting the signal to the data storage area where data related to the signal is retrieved by the controller.
 15. A heating system comprising: a heat source; a controller connected to and controlling operation of the heat source; a first sensor configured to sense temperature and report a signal to the controller; a first input/output (I/O) device proximate and directly connected to the first sensor, the first I/O device configured to send a first set point to the controller; and a second I/O device wirelessly connected to the controller and configured to send a second set point to the controller, wherein the controller selectively operates the heat source based on a comparison of the signal to the set points.
 16. The heating system of claim 15, wherein: the first I/O device includes a touch screen display operable to change the first set point; and the touch screen display displays: a temperature based on data from the first sensor; and the first set point.
 17. The heating system of claim 16, wherein: the first sensor and the first I/O device are electrically connected to an electrical line associated with an outlet to receive power; the first sensor reports the signal to the controller via the electrical line using power-line communication; and the first I/O device sends the first set point to the controller via the electrical line using power-line communication.
 18. The heating system of claim 17 wherein the touch screen display displays a sliding temperature layout operable to raise or lower the first set point.
 19. The heating system of claim 18 wherein the touch screen display further includes a second sliding layout operable to control a separate electrical device connected to the outlet.
 20. The heating system of claim 15, wherein the controller selectively operates the heat source based on a comparison of the signal to a most recently updated set point of the set points. 